GM's answer to Ford EcoBoost engine to debut at Geneva Auto Show 2014

General Motors is set to debut its answer to the Ford EcoBoost engine at the Geneva Motor show next month.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder, direct injection, turbocharged petrol will debut in the Vauxhall Adam Rocks at the motor show, and will be the first in a range of new 'EcoTec' small displacement petrol engines by the American manufacturer.

General Motors' 1.0-litre Ecotec engine

EcoBoost powers the Ford Focus in European markets and the popular Ford EcoSport SUV in India. The EcoSport has taken the Indian SUV market by storm since its launch in early 2013. In fact, it recently bagged the 2014 CNBC-TV18 OVERDRIVE SUV Of The Year and Viewer's Choice Car Of The Year awards.

Ford EcoBoost engine

Globally, the EcoTec petrol is expected to be available in 90PS and 115PS versions, which will produce the same torque figure of 166Nm in the 1800-4700rpm range.

In case GM decides to introduce the engine to its Indian lineup, we are guessing that it will be the more powerful 115PS under the hood of the SUV based on the Chevrolet Adra concept showcased at the Auto Expo 2014. It will square off against the EcoSport EcoBoost that makes 122PS of power.

The EcoTec weighs only 37kg, which is possible due to its all-aluminum construction. The claimed fuel efficiency figure of the engine is 23kmpl and it features technologies like continuous variable valve timing, engine stop-start, counter balance shaft in oil sump for vibration reduction and an exhaust manifold integrated inside an aluminum cylinder head.

Noise is further reduced by the use of 'acoustically optimized' covers for the engine, intake manifold and camshaft housing. This 1.0 litre engine will be built at GM's Szentgotthard plant in Hungary. A new manual six-speed transmission has also been developed specifically for this engine.

It may also be noted that GM was testing its EcoFlex range of engines in India. We have spy shots and more information here